The camp of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano described the Supreme Court’s directive requiring former mayor Jonas Cortes to submit a comment on his petition as a routine step in legal proceedings, stressing that it should not be interpreted as a development on the merits of the case.
City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on said on May 1, 2026 that the order forms part of standard court procedure whenever a petition is filed.
“Well, normal ra man na kon naay i-file nga petition sa Supreme Court or any court. Patubagon gyud na or pakomentaryohan gyud na ang parties involved,” Malig-on said.
“Mura ba’g dili lang kaayo magpalabi sa excitement. It’s a normal course of things,” he added.
In a resolution dated April 8, 2026, the Supreme Court En Banc directed respondents to file their comment within 10 days from notice on Cortes’ petition for certiorari under Rule 64, which also includes a request for a temporary restraining order and/or status quo ante order.
The high court has yet to act on whether to give due course to the petition.
Cortes welcomed the directive, calling it a step forward in his legal challenge.
“For me, this is a meaningful step forward. It affirms that the issues we have raised are being taken seriously and will now be fully heard and examined at the highest level of our judicial system,” he said in a statement issued April 30.
He added that he intends to pursue the case through proper legal channels.
“I have always believed that truth must be pursued through proper legal channels. This resolution gives us the opportunity to present our case with clarity and to allow the Court to evaluate the merits based on facts and law,” Cortes said.
Malig-on, however, maintained that the directive does not indicate any ruling in favor of either side.
“Kay normal man na. In any proceeding, part man na sa due process nga patubagon nimo ang parties concerned,” he said.
He said the Ouano legal team is prepared to respond once required, and reiterated that what matters to their camp is the earlier ruling of the Commission on Elections.
In January 2026, the Comelec First Division dismissed Cortes’ election protest for lack of sufficient evidence, a ruling later elevated to the Supreme Court through a petition for certiorari.
The dispute stems from the May 2025 mayoral race, where Ouano won by more than 7,000 votes.
Cortes had questioned the results, alleging irregularities in vote counting, automated machines, and ballot handling, and sought a manual recount and technical examination of election returns.
Malig-on said the camp remains confident in the election outcome. (VCL)
Photo courtesy of Mandaue City Public Affairs Office
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